International Journal of Anatomical Sciences 2014.

Research Article

Restorative Effects of Glycyrrhizic Acid on Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Decline in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Model of Vascular Dementia in Rats

Yogesh Kanna S, Kathiravan K, Pradeep Kumar N, Ramesh Kumar R.

Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, Tamil Nadu, India.

Key words : Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, Glycyrrhizic acid, novel object recognition, degeneration

Abstract: The present study is aimed to analyse the neuroprotective effect of Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a chronic reduction in cerebral blood flow associated with the aging and progressive neurodegenerative disorders which can precipitate profound cognitive decline. The experimental model for hypoperfusion is employed to elucidate the histopathological and behavioural impairments in rats by permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries (2-vessel occlusion-2VO). Here, we have focused on the effect of GA on the development of oligaemic stress resulted due to hypoperfusion. GA is known for its various pharmacological properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Rats were administered GA for 30 days following 2VO surgery at a dosage of 20mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. After CCH the rats were tested for executive function, concurrently they were also probed for Neophilia through Novel Object recognition test and exploratory drive through Hole board test. The cell density of viable pyramidal in the CA1, CA2, CA3 and DG region of dorsal hippocampus was also counted and White matter rarefaction in the corpus callosum was also examined. The outcome of this study clearly implies that GA treatment could mitigate the pathogenesis of degeneration and protect pyramidal cell damage in various region of hippocampus and augment retention of hippocampal associated learning and memory and rats score significantly high in discrimination index, these findings helps us ascertain the neuroprotective potentials of GAÂ against Vascular dementia.